List of international prime ministerial trips made by Christopher Luxon
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This is a list of international prime ministerial trips made by Christopher Luxon, the 42nd Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon who took the office of Prime Minister of New Zealand on 27 November 2023 made his first prime ministerial trip to meet with his counter-part Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese on 20 December 2023 in Sydney.[1]
Summary
[edit]The number of visits per country where Prime Minister Luxon traveled are:
- One: Fiji, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Niue,[note 1] Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga and the United States
- Three: Australia
New Zealand
One visit
Three visits
2023
[edit]| # | Country | Locations | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Australia
|
Sydney | 20 December 2023 | Luxon met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and affirmed New Zealand's nuclear-free policy, but expressed openness to joining the non-nuclear pillar of the AUKUS agreement. He also stated that New Zealand was keen to do its share of "heavy lifting" in the Australia-New Zealand defence relationship.[2] |
2024
[edit]| # | Country | Locations | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Australia
|
Melbourne | 5–6 March 2024 | Luxon was invited to attend the Australia-ASEAN Summit. Luxon met with Bruneian Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan. He also spoke at the business breakfast hosted by ANZ and met with trans-Tansman business leaders.[3][4][5]
Luxon had to fly commercially from Wellington to Auckland and then to Melbourne due to maintenance issues on the New Zealand Defence Force Boeing 757 aircraft.[6] |
| 3 |  Singapore
|
Singapore | 15–16 April 2024 | Luxon met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who was nominated to be the next prime minister. He attended a panel discussion on economic issues which was hosted by ANZ. He visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens where an orchid variety was named after him called "Dendrobium Christopher Luxon". He attended the See Tomorrow First event by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise agency. Luxon met with Singaporean YouTuber Aiken Chia and ate breakfast together at a hawker centre. He visited Google's regional headquarters in Singapore. He visited PSB Academy and announced Massey University's joint venture with PSB Academy in offering Masters and Bachelors degrees in Master of Analytics, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Information Science and Cyber Security.[7][8] |
 Thailand
|
Bangkok | 17–18 April 2024 | Luxon met with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. He visited the One City Centre in Bangkok which is the tallest office building in Thailand at 276 meters tall and met with representatives from the New Zealand company Beca Group who provided engineering services for the structure. He attended the New Zealand Alumni Networking Event where he met with alumni from New Zealand universities who live in Thailand and also presented an award. Luxon got in an auto rickshaw, also known as tuk-tuk, and rode around.[7] | |
 Philippines
|
Manila | 19–20 April 2024 | Luxon met with Filipino President Bongbong Marcos and Filipino First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos at the Malacañang Palace. Luxon arrived in Manila with New Zealand Member of Parliament Paulo Garcia, who is the first New Zealand MP of Filipino descent, and they visited a Jollibee restaurant where they ate together and talked with the employees. He met with Frederick Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs. Luxon met with the Makati Business Club and the Philippines New Zealand Business Council at an event where they discussed business opportunities between New Zealand and the Philippines. He attended the signing of an energy transition cooperation and a strategic economic partnership with Filipino conglomerate Ayala Corporation, the oldest and largest conglomerate of the Philippines.[7] | |
| 4 |  Niue[note 1]
|
Alofi, Avatele, Tamakautoga | 3–5 June 2024 | Luxon met with Niuean Premier Dalton Tagelagi as Niue marked 50 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand. Luxon announced that New Zealand would invest NZ$20.5 million into a new large-scale renewable energy project on Niue.[9] |
 Fiji
|
Suva, Nadi | 5–6 June 2024 | Luxon met with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. Luxon announced nearly NZ$27 million in investment in projects in Fiji and the removal of transit visas for Fijian nationals entering New Zealand.[9] | |
| 5 |  Papua New Guinea
|
Port Moresby | 16 June 2024 | Luxon met with Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape during a refuelling stop. Due to maintenance issues with the New Zealand Defence Force Boeing 757 aircraft, Luxon had to fly commercially from Port Moresby to Tokyo via Hong Kong.[10] |
 Japan
|
Tokyo | 17–20 June 2024 | Luxon led a business delegation that engaged in deals in space, renewable energy, and investment, such as Rocket Lab's deal with Japanese satellite provider Synspective for ten Electron launches from Mahia Peninsula. Luxon stopped by a Costco store that carried New Zealand-made products like Zespri kiwifruit, went to a sushi restaurant, and met Japanese celebrities. Luxon visited the Yokosuka Naval Base, where he announced that the New Zealand Defence Force would enhance its participation in North Korea sanctions monitoring in Japan. Luxon attended an event on foreign policy hosted by the Institute for International Socio-Economic Studies and NEC, where he delivered a speech on security in the Pacific region. Luxon met with Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara and had a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, where he signed a bilateral information security agreement to improve intelligence sharing between the two governments.[11] | |
| 6 |  United States
|
Washington, D.C., San Francisco | 9–11 July 2024 | Luxon attended the 2024 Nato summit as an Indo-Pacific ally, where he attended a White House dinner and spoke to US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Republican Senator Bill Hagerty. Later that day, Luxon met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles during an Indo-Pacific meeting to express solidarity with Ukraine. During his trip to the United States, Luxon also committed NZ$16 million to support Ukraine in its war against Russia. Luxon also met members of the US administration and Congress, including Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks, Democratic Senators Ben Cardin and Jon Ossoff, and Republican Senator Jim Risch. On the final day of his trip, Luxon visited San Francisco, where he met Californian Governor Gavin Newsom.[12] |
| 7 | Australia
|
Sydney, Canberra | 15–16 August 2024 | Luxon visited Australia to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, focussing on enhancing security and economic ties. In Sydney, Luxon discussed infrastructure issues, learning from New South Wales' experience managing significant infrastructure projects. He also met with the New South Wales Government, addressed the Lowy Institute, and engaged with Australian business leaders and investors. The next day, Luxon attended the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders' Meeting in Canberra, where he discussed global issues, Pacific priorities, and enhancing defence coordination. He met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to discuss global issues and shared interests, concluding with a joint statement highlighting the strengthened trans-Tasman alliance and commitment to modern challenges.[13] |
| 8 |  Tonga
|
Nukuʻalofa | 27–30 August 2024 | Luxon attended the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting. Luxon met with Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni, Samoan Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Luxon engaged in bilateral meetings with the Tongan leaders, such as renewing New Zealand's Statement of Partnership with Tonga and committing to work in cooperation in areas such as climate change, security, education, and trade. The leaders welcomed progress on two key infrastructure projects funded by New Zealand, including a second undersea telecommunications cable and a new Parliament complex.[14] |
| 9 |  Malaysia
|
Putrajaya | 1–3 September 2024 | Luxon led a business delegation and met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where they released a joint statement reaffirming their countries' commitment to regional defence and security cooperation. Luxon announced the goal of increasing bilateral trade between the countries by 50% over the next six years, as well as reviewing the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. He also announced expanded cooperation in education, youth and sports connections, and disaster management. Luxon addressed business leaders, such as the Kuala Lumpur Business Club, and visited Masjid Negara and laid a wreath at Tugu Negara.[15] |
 South Korea
|
Seoul | 4–5 September 2024 | Luxon met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, where they released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to enhancing regional security and expanding trade ties. Luxon also visited the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), which separates North and South Korea. Accompanied by a business delegation, Luxon observed several agreements being signed between New Zealand and Korean businesses, particularly in the sectors of energy, education, and food and beverage.[16] | |
| 10 |  Laos
|
Vientiane | 10–11 October 2024 | Luxon attended the Nineteenth East Asia Summit.[17] During the conference, Luxon bilateral meetings with the leaders of Cambodia, India, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also gave a speech to the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit and confirmed that New Zealand would be participating in the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Leaders' Summit in Malaysia in November 2025.[18] |
| 11 |  Samoa
|
Apia | 25–26 October 2024 | Luxon attended the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.[19] He and Foreign Minister Winston Peters jointly announced that New Zealand would contribute $20 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which aims to help Pacific states prepare for disasters and boost climate resilience.[20] |
Future trips
[edit]| Country | Locations | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
 Peru
|
Cusco | 10–16 November 2024 | |
 India
|
TBA | 2025[21] | |
 Indonesia
|
TBA | TBA |
Multilateral meetings
[edit]Prime Minister Luxon is scheduled to attend the following summits during his prime ministership.
| Group | Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
| UNGA | 26 September[1], New York City |
9–23 September, New York City |
8–22 September, New York City
|
| APEC | 10–16 November, Lima |
TBA, South Korea |
TBA |
| EAS (ASEAN) |
10–11 October, Vientiane |
TBA, Kuala Lumpur |
TBA, Philippines
|
| CHOGM | 25–26 October, Apia |
None | TBA |
| PIF | 27–30 August, Nukuʻalofa |
TBA, Honiara |
TBA |
| NATO | 9–11 July, Washington, D.C. |
24–26 July, Netherlands |
TBA |
| ██ = Future event ██ = Did not attend ^ Attended by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. | |||
See also
[edit]- Sixth National Government of New Zealand
- Cabinet of New Zealand
- Foreign relations of New Zealand
- List of international prime ministerial trips made by Chris Hipkins
- List of international prime ministerial trips made by Anthony Albanese
Notes
[edit]- ^ a b The Cook Islands and Niue are associated states of New Zealand.
References
[edit]- ^ Desmarais, Felix (20 December 2023). "Christopher Luxon off to Sydney for first official overseas visit". 1 News. TVNZ. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
- ^ Dexter, Giles (21 December 2023). "Luxon 'exploring' non-nuclear part of AUKUS pact". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
- ^ Desmarais, Felix (4 March 2024). "Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Melbourne tomorrow to meet with Southeast Asian leaders". 1 News.
- ^ Witton, Bridie (4 March 2024). "Christopher Luxon faces first major diplomatic test with Asean leaders". Stuff.
- ^ Luxon, Christopher [@chrisluxonmp] (5 March 2024). "Just touched down in Melbourne, where I'm looking forward to meeting with ASEAN leaders taking part in the Australia-ASEAN Summit. It's an important opportunity to strengthen friendships as our Government looks to step up New Zealand's commitment to South East Asia" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "'Maintenance fault' on Defence Force plane forces Luxon to fly to Australia commercially". Radio New Zealand. 5 March 2024.
- ^ a b c McCulloch, Craig (14 April 2024). "Christopher Luxon readies for 'full-on' Southeast Asia tour". RNZ.
- ^ Luxon, Christopher [@chrisluxonmp] (13 April 2024). "I'm on my way to South East Asia to visit Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b "Christopher Luxon to visit Niue and Fiji". RNZ. 2 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ Tibshraeny, Jenée (16 June 2024). "PM Christopher Luxon's forced to take commercial flight to Japan after NZDF 757 aircraft breaks down in Papua New Guinea". NZ Herald. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
- ^ Witton, Bridie (16 June 2024). "PM Christopher Luxon 'pretty energised' for Japan trip on back of China Premier's visit". Stuff. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ^ Witton, Bridie (9 July 2024). "Prime Minister Christopher Luxon heads to Nato amid swirling global political headwinds". Stuff. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ^ McConnell, Glenn (15 August 2024). "Christopher Luxon, in Australia, sees benefits in Aukus alliance". Stuff. Archived from the original on 15 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
- ^ "Pacific Islands Forum: Luxon meets Tonga and Samoa counterparts". RNZ. 28 August 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ "PM Wraps Up Successful Visit To Malaysia". Scoop. 15 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ "Prime Minister Wraps Up Successful Visit To Korea". Scoop. 15 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ Ensor, Jamie (9 October 2024). "Christopher Luxon's trip to East Asia Summit, Laos is 'hugely valuable opportunity' for economy, security". NZ Herald. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ Luxon, Christopher (11 October 2024). "Luxon wraps up East Asia Summit". Beehive.govt.nz. New Zealand Government. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ "Watch: Christopher Luxon speaks from CHOGM in Samoa". RNZ. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ Palmer, Russell (26 October 2024). "Ocean safeguarding declaration expected on final day of CHOGM". RNZ. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ McConnell, Glenn (12 October 2024). "Luxon hints at progress on India trade deal, with more diplomatic events to come". Stuff. Retrieved 13 October 2024.